I have decided that since I have been around a bit, and do intend to stay on as long youíll have me, that I should write a bit of an introduction for those who enjoy reading them.

I was raised in a Christian household but not a very devout one. I think my parents viewed religion as a sort of general guideline in how to behave and interact with others versus it being an absolute roadmap for life. As the years have passed they have grown attached to a church but Iím certain that itís really the fellowship and the social aspects that are important to them versus the religious dogma. My father is a very intelligent man who was an engineer by trade and I doubt very much that he missed the glaring plot holes in The Holy Bible. My mother, who also sometimes encouraged church attendance is and always has been strongly interested in the occult and in the paranormal. From them I inherited my fatherís interest in testing everything and my motherís interest in everything far a-field.

As for myself, Iíve so far lived a varied existence. My parents had a strong work ethic and I began working for money very early in life. In my pre teen years we had a farm where I did everything from fence building to painting to animal care. When we moved from the farm to the city I worked for a shop owner unloading cartons from trucks. In my teen years I worked retail, fast food and landscaping (which was back breaking). I left home at 17, worked two jobs, lived in a really crummy apartment but put myself through school and eventually married my high school sweetheart who I remain with today (20 years and counting). I studied art in school and have always been interested in the visual communication of ideas, whatever the method. While in school I worked as a carpenterís apprentice and eventually as a carpenter by day, student by night. This was happening in my life at the dawn of the PC age and through an interesting twist of events I was forced to learn CAD (computer aided drafting) for my job. Fast forward several years and I now work for one of the largest computer companies in the world (youíve heard of it) calling daily upon my own odd mix of abilities.

Iíve found Satanism by process of elimination. Iíve studied nearly everything out there that calls itself a faith and have found all of it to be lacking something in one large degree or another. Satanism may appear to be simplistic in comparison but Iíve found myself delighted time and again in how a seemingly odd or misplaced phrase (misplaced in my mind) from the TSB will click home in application. I understand why Satanism is regarded as a lifetime study to those who have deemed it so. Life experience leads to greater understanding and I have found that TSB holds no paradoxes but, rather, reveals itself as one gains wider perspective. As I read the ancillary texts I am finding that this is true of those also.

For the future, I intend to continue my studies down the left hand path, continue enhancing my career skills to the point where I can venture out on my own, continue refining my skill in art and writing and continue raising my children in an environment where they can make their own choices (and are equipped to do so).

Thanks to all who have so far treated me well here. I look forward to learning from each of you.

I think Roho said your initial posts spoke for themselves. I agree. Your posts have been intelligent, polite, organized and on point. You comport yourself with a decorum that is ... rare. It was something I noticed immediately and, I for one, appreciate it very much.

I'm glad you made an introduction though. It was fun to read and learn more about you, but most importantly, now I've the opportunity to welcome you properly.

"Wilkommen, bienvenu, welcome, c'mon in."

_________________________"What happens in the shadow, in the grey regions, also interests us Ė all that is elusive and fugitive, all that can be said in those beautiful half tones, or in whispers, in deep shade." ~ The Brothers Quay

I think Roho said your initial posts spoke for themselves. I agree. Your posts have been intelligent, polite, organized and on point. You comport yourself with a decorum that is ... rare. It was something I noticed immediately and, I for one, appreciate it very much.

Thank you for the kind words and for the welcome. Both are greatly appreciated. By the by, I noticed in your profile that you allude to an interest in New England Asylums. Do you mean the old sanitoriums (Danvers, etc) and, if so, are you interested in urban archaelogy?

Yup, thatís what I was referring to...although I should probably edit that to include all abandoned hospitals and prisons. Danvers seems to be the best known of the lot, and rightfully so - itís beautiful. IĎve always been drawn to the stories these places have to tell, evidence of their past etched onto them like bones.

_________________________"What happens in the shadow, in the grey regions, also interests us Ė all that is elusive and fugitive, all that can be said in those beautiful half tones, or in whispers, in deep shade." ~ The Brothers Quay

_________________________
ÔŅĹLove is one of the most intense feelings felt by man; another is hate. Forcing yourself to feel indiscriminate love is very unnatural. If you try to love everyone you only lessen your feelings for those who deserve your love. Repressed hatred can lead to many physical and emotional aliments. By learning to release your hatred towards those who deserve it, you cleanse yourself of these malignant emotions and need not take your pent-up hatred out on your loved ones.ÔŅĹ Anton Szandor LaVey, The Satanic Bible

I'm a huge fan of urban archaeology but with no particular focus other than examples of architecturally important styles. Here in Houston we have lots of old Deco, Nouveau, mid century modern and even Googie inspired buildings that are crumbling and/or in disrepair.

We even have one old hospital, The Jefferson Davis with quite the sordid past. The city planners decided to build it right on top of the old city cemetary. Workers were instructed to throw any encountered bones into boxes for disposal. It's been a constant source of contention for the years of its existence. For many years post abandonment no one much cared if people wandered around in there and I poked my nose around as much of it as I could get to. Of course the drug dealers and vandals eventually ruined this for those of us interested in the architectural and historical elements of the place. I haven't been back in a while but see that it's now a functional building again. Interesting.

Thank you sir! You'd likely be surprised at just how innocuous my intent was in contriving that username. It wasn't meant to be nefarious in the least though I must admit that I rather like the potential theatrical value of the moniker.

The first line of your signature reminds me of a Robert Frost poem that I love:

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy EveningWhose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow.My little horse must think it queerTo stop without a farmhouse nearBetween the woods and frozen lakeThe darkest evening of the year.He gives his harness bells a shakeTo ask if there is some mistake.The only other sound's the sweepOf easy wind and downy flake.The woods are lovely, dark and deep.But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.